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Detailed interior pages from the Kelmscott Chaucer

Private Press

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer

1896


William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, established the Kelmscott Press in Middlesex, England in January 1891.

Morris was inspired by medieval craftsmanship and the early manuscript and printed books of the 15th century.

His greatest achievement was his Kelmscott Chaucer, which featured woodcuts by Edward Burne-Jones alongside Morris-designed type, ornamental initials and decorative borders illustrating the works of Chaucer (c1342-1400).

Produced in an edition of 425 copies, the Kelmscott Chaucer exerted an enormous influence on the 20th century Private Press movement.